Professional Practice GapsThere has been considerable discussion about the genetics revolution in healthcare, the insufficient numbers of genetics professionals to meet predicted demands, and the potential burden PCPs may experience. In an effort to define what healthcare providers need to know about medical genetics, several organizations developed core competencies (NCHPEG, 2000; ASHG, 2001). However, because clinical genetics is a relatively young and evolving field of medicine, many practitioners received insufficient formal genetics education. As a result, they express a lack of confidence in their clinical genetics knowledge and a lack of confidence in their ability to provide genetic counseling. Dr. Francis Collins, Director of the National Institutes of Health, has stated that it will be "critical to integrate genetics into continuing medical education so that current practitioners will have the knowledge and skills to effectively and responsibly incorporate new genetics knowledge and technologies into practice" (Collins, 1999, p.49).References

Core competencies in genetics essential for all health-care professionals. National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics. 2000. Available at: http://www.nchpeg.org/ Accessed on: 2004-09-21.

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Module development and evaluation has been funded solely through learner fees and funding from the NIH including: Buprenorphine Medical Student Education (#R44-DA12066), Medical Student Education on Alcohol Abuse and Dependence (#1R44AA016724-01A1), Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues (ELSI) Associated with Genetics (#R25-HG02266), Tobacco Cessation Web Based Modules for AHEC Students (Grant #R44HL65885), and Medical Student Pain Education (Grant #1R44DA027245-01). The website and Clinical Tools receive no support from the pharmaceutical or device manufacturing industries.